"How I Became A Pirate" sets sail on the high seas through November at Broadway Palm

AARRRRGH matey! "How I Became A Pirate" is playing selected performances October 25 through November 22, 2013 at Broadway Palm. 

When Jeremy Jacobs’ exceptional skills for building sand castles and digging moats earned him an invitation to join Braid Beard’s pirate crew, Jeremy thinks the pirate life is for him. Until he realizes that the simple things in life, like a kiss and a warm tucking in at night, are those that are most important. 

Ticket prices for the buffet and the show are only $18 for all ages. Call (239) 278-4422 or www.BroadwayPalm.com.

Complete press release below.

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 AHOY! BROADWAY PALM CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS “HOW I BECAME A PIRATE”!

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre presents How I Became A Pirate playing October 25*, 27, 29* and November 1*, 2, 5*, 8*, 10, 12*, 15*, 19*, 22*, 2013.  How I Became A Pirate was adapted for the stage by award-winning composers, lyricists and playwrights Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and is based on the best-selling children’s book written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon.

            When Jeremy Jacobs’ exceptional skills for building sand castles and digging moats earned him an invitation to join Braid Beard’s pirate crew, Jeremy thinks the pirate life is for him. Until he realizes that the simple things in life, like a kiss and a warm tucking in at night, are those that are most important.  Set sail for a fun-filled journey as Jeremy learns that the most important things in life are worth more than buried treasure.  A story of adventure and finding one’s own heart – a path that can’t be found on any treasure map.
          
 Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre presents full-scale productions that are great for all ages.  All performances begin with a buffet at noon and show time at 1:00 pm. (except where indicated*, lunch is at 10:30am and the show is at 11:30am.) The chef’s special buffet includes children’s favorites like chicken nuggets, tacos, french fries, pizza, pasta and more.

AARRRRGH matey! How I Became A Pirate is playing selected performances October 25 through November 22, 2013 at Broadway Palm.  Ticket prices for the buffet and the show are only $18 for all ages. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more.  Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

BIG ARTS early bird ticket specials end Oct. 31

Hey ya'll. "Time is running out" - their words - to save some money on BIG ARTS tickets. If you're going over the causeway, at least save some cash (and go get coffee at the Sanibel Bean!).

The Early Bird Special (which I received, or at least should have) offers a 25% discount on select BIG ARTS and Herb Strauss Theater packages and some individual tickets.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.BIGARTS.org, by calling BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at 239-395-0900 or Herb Strauss Theater Box Office (239) 472-6862 and at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

Complete press release below.

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SANIBEL, FL. (October 22, 2013) — Time is running out to take advantage of the new discounts celebrating BIG ARTS' 35th anniversary season, including the Early Bird Special which features an extra 25% discount off select BIG ARTS and Herb Strauss Theater packages as well as individual tickets. Offering savings up to 40% on select tickets, the Early Bird Special offer expires October 31, 2013. Groups of ten or more are also eligible for special discounts.

The Early Bird discount ticket offer complements another new BIG ARTS marketing initiative launched this season, a special package featuring one adult ticket to all six Herb Strauss Theater opening night performances and the pre-show receptions for just $200, a savings of more than 15%. In addition, the Starfish Grille recently signed on as a marketing partner for the 2013-2104 season and will provide the catering for all of the opening night pre-performance receptions at Herb Strauss Theater. 

The Herb Strauss Theater opening night performances:
• Saturday, November 30: Hamlet {solo}
• Thursday, December 19: Holiday Spectacular
• Friday, January 10: Into The Woods
• Thursday, February 20: Defamation
• Friday, March 7: Romance/Romance
• Friday, April 11: The Big Bang

Also new this season, tickets to all Herb Strauss Theater performances as well as the majority of BIG ARTS concerts and performances, are only $5 each for students with valid student ID and for children 17 and under.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.BIGARTS.org, by calling BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at 239-395-0900 or Herb Strauss Theater Box Office (239) 472-6862 and at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL 33957. Discover more about BIG ARTS, including volunteer opportunities and membership options as well as purchase tickets or learn more about our full season lineup of exhibits, performances, classes and events today.

A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, programming at BIG ARTS is made possible through the generous support of more than 300 dedicated volunteers  and donors as well as our corporate sponsors, such as the 2013-2014 Herb Strauss Theater Season Sponsor, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.

Read the preview: "All My Raisins in the Son" at Theatre Conspiracy"

Musical "New Wrinkles" opens Nov. 8 at Firehouse Community Theatre

Musical "New Wrinkles" opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the Firehouse Community Theatre in LaBelle. For tickets, visit www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com or call the Box Office at 863-675-3066.

Firehouse is offering a WEB FRENZY!!!! special for the Friday, Nov. 8 show. Online-only tickets are available for just $8 - that is a $6 savings. Get 'em while they're hot!

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Artis-Naples welcomes four local non-profits with free facility rentals

Artis—Naples' CEO and President, Kathleen van Bergen with one of tomorrow's leaders, Girl Scout Ambassador Avnee Mistry, during a recent Girl Scout event in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis—Naples.

Let's take a moment to note that I totally called this back in July.

See what I'm talking about below the jump.

One-liners: Theater News Briefs (and my stories) for Tuesday, October 22

Just a note: If you don't put a "view on web" link in your promo emails, it can't go here.

• Read my preview of Theatre Conspiracy show "All My Raisins in the Son," starring none other than the fabulous Angie Koch. She's playing Florence Goldberg, the sarcastic comic relief (that's according to Angie).

• Read my review of the Let's Put On A Show production "Afterlife of the Rich and Famous." It's pretty fun, ya'll.

The Gulfshore Playhouse charity golf tournament will be Monday, Nov. 4 at The Colony Golf & Bay Club in Bonita Springs. Golf with Ian Peakes, a golf pro and cast member of "Something Intangible" for $1,500. (this may be gone by now).

Tickets on sale for the Island Theater Company show "Blame It On Beckett." $20, starts Nov. 1. Get more at theateronmarco.com.

The Marco Players will sponsor "Play With the Arts," a champagne and strawberries (Hello, Julia Roberts!) art session in the Artist's Gallery in The Esplanade. Two sessions on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 run from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. RSVP required.

The Naples Players will hold auditions for "Black Tie" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Rehearsal starts Nov. 25. Call 239-263-7990 for more information.

The District 18 Marching Band Assessment (Festival) will start at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in the Edison Stadium at Fort Myers High School. Twenty high schools marching bands from three counties will perform their halftime shows.  Fort Myers High School is located at 2635 Cortez Boulevard. Tickets, $7, are available at the gate.

TheatreZone, Opera Naples and the ArtsNaples World Festival will present highlights from their upcoming seasons from 5:30 − 7:30 p.m. at Clive Daniel Home in Naples on Thursday, Nov. 14. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. For more information or to make reservations, please call the Opera Naples box office at (239) 963-9050. Clive Daniel Home is located at 2777 Tamiami Trail North in Naples.

Casting: Michael Amante to play Freddie Trumper in TheatreZone's "Chess"

Michael Amante

TheatreZone announced Monday that "The People's Tenor" Michael Amante will play Freddie Trumper in their production of "Chess" in March.

Mr. Amante has been crowned the "Prince of High C's" for his remarkable ability to hit and sustain with ease, one of the highest notes of a tenor’s voice.

The TheatreZone season opens with "Whistle Down the Wind" in January. "Chess" runs March 6-16. For more information or to purchase tickets, call TheaterZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or purchase online at  www.theatrezone-florida.com.

AUDITION: "Bigger Than Life" at The Acting Studio of SWFL

The Acting Studio of SWFL will hold auditions for a production of "Bigger Than Life" at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26. Performers ages 9-17 are eligible for roles in the show.

"Bigger Than Life" is a roughly 45-minute play that presents American folk tales and legends through the guise of an Old West traveling medicine show. Actors can use a huge variety of sound effects as well. Read a sample of the script here.

The Acting Studio of SWFL is located just south of San Carlos Boulevard at 19451 S. Tamiami Trail in San Carlos Park. For more information, contact Pasquale Gaeta at (239) 898-6226 or www.actingstudioswfl.com.

Edison students to present "Dead Man's Cell Phone"

"Dead Man's Cell Phone" runs for 8 performances Nov. 14-23.

Students at Edison State College will present Sarah Ruhl play "Dead Man's Cell Phone" Nov. 14-23.

I have kind of a love-hate relationship with Sarah Ruhl plays. I've seen, I think, three - including "Dead Man's Cell Phone" and read a few more.

The plays wander around in metaphysics, technology and whatever else seems to flicker across the cosmos. It can be fascinating, but directors have to have a *very* clear vision (see "The Clean House") in order to focus the show. I'm interested to see what Stuart Brown and his students do with this one.

"Dead Man's Cell Phone" runs for 8 performances Nov. 14-23. Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 16 & 23. Tickets ($10, $5 students) available at the door or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/470702. Be warned, seating is limited and in high demand.

PR: Broadway Palm lends helping paw to Animal Refuge Center

Annie Freres as Grizabella, Lily from ARC, and Sarah Nelson as Victoria

Kudos to Broadway Palm for lending some visibility to the Animal Refuge Center (ARC). During the run of "Cats," Broadway Palm is selling “paws” for $1 each and all proceeds go directly to the Animal Refuge Center. "Cats" runs through November 23, 2013 - and you really should see it! (read the reviews here)

Photos: "Blame It On Beckett" at Island Theater Company

Mai Puccio and John Moulton.

Ooooh. Goodies.

I found a couple new photos stashed back in the inbox archive of no return from the  Island Theater Company production of "Blame It On Beckett." Ya'll don't even want to KNOW how many emails are in that folder.

"Blame it On Beckett" will run for nine shows at the Rose History Auditorium, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, from November 1-16. Tickets, $20, are available at Centennial Bank, the Marco Island Historical Society Gift Shop, theateronmarco.com, 239-394-0080 and at the door. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; curtain for Sunday matinées is 2:30 p.m.

PHOTOS: "The Mystery of Irma Vep" at the Naples Players

Mike Santos and Mark Vanagas play 7 different roles
in the Naples Players production of horror story
spoof "The Mystery of Irma Vep."
"Irma Vep" runs Oct. 30 - Nov. 23.

Here's your first look at the Naples Players production of "The Mystery of Irma Vep." Mike Santos and Mark Vanagas play 7 different roles in the horror story spoof.

"Irma Vep" runs Oct. 30 - Nov. 23 in the black box Tobye Studio. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 18 and under. Call 239-263-7990 or online at naplesplayers.org/tickets.

Read my review of the Florida Rep production from May 2012 (spoilers) for another look at the show.

Mental Floss gets an interview with "Calvin & Hobbes" creator Bill Watterston

Really, the only thing you need is this one beautiful quote from Bill Watterson: "Repetition is the death of magic."

But here's the deal. Mental Floss magazine got an interview with the reclusive cartoonist, the beloved creator of "Calvin & Hobbes." Yes, the cover is exactly what you think it is.

• Read excerpts of the Q&A on the mentalfloss.com website here.

From the Guardian: (story has lots of links)

The American magazine Mental Floss warmed the hearts of comics fans on Thursday when it announced that it had succeeded where so many others have failed: securing an interview with Bill Watterson, the reclusive creator of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.

From Poynter

The reporter "somehow got Watterston's email address..."

From Cleveland.com

Bill Watterston gave an interview in 2010.

And one of my favorite things on the internet, a loving tribute/spinoff comic strip, called "Hobbes & Bacon"

• "Hobbes & Bacon" #1
• "Hobbes & Bacon" #2
• "Hobbes & Bacon" #3
• "Hobbes & Bacon" #4

Reviews: "Miss Witherspoon" at Lab Theater (2)

Here's the reviews for "Miss Witherspoon," now playing at the Lab Theater.

Stephanie Davis in "Miss Witherspoon."

Christopher Durang play "Miss Witherspoon" features the adventures of Veronica in her afterlife. She was depressed in life and now she's depressed in death. Why can't she just take some time off? And why is her spirit guide making her go BACK to earth?

Stephanie Davis plays Veronica. Supporting cast includes: Rob Green, Kathleen Moye, Gerrie Benzing and Yvonne Shadrach. Annette Trossbach directs.

"Miss Witherspoon" runs Oct. 11-26. The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Avenue in downtown Fort Myers. Tickets are $12-$22 and available online at laboratorytheaterflorida.com or at the door.

Tickets are also available online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/391346. (use code BARDO to save $5)

Review: Lab Theater, Davis mine laughs in Durang's 'Miss Witherspoon' ($$)

Chris Silk / Naples Daily News
Oh Veronica. Dead. Depressed. Desperate for Jewish heaven, even if Jewish heaven is just a sort of permanent general anesthesia. You know, because the descendants of Abraham don't believe in that whole afterlife thing. Me? I'd prefer … well, I'm not sure what I'd prefer.

Review: Afterlife a funny but wearisome place in Lab Theater's 'Miss Witherspoon'
Charles Runnells / The News Press
Miss Witherspoon has had enough. Enough of love. Enough of people. Enough of Skylab and smallpox and terrorists. Enough of life. That’s why she keeps killing herself, over and over again. Problem is, she always ends up in the same place — the heaven-like The Bardo — and chirpy, Indian-accented “angel” Maryamma keeps sending her back to Earth to live yet another sad, depressed life.

I'm equal opportunity when it comes to coverage of the arts. The Examiner network of websites has a place in the big tent. At the same time, I think it is important to educate readers where content comes from. You can read more about the examiner.com network.

Thomas Hall, the Arts & Exhibits Examiner for Fort Myers, wrote a piece about "Miss Witherspoon."

Lab Theater's 'Miss Witherspoon' big on laughs and strong performances
Thomas Hall / Examiner.comIt's a good thing Christopher Durang is so accomplished, because if he'd been a first-time playwrite looking for a Manhattan literary agent, his script would have been rejected out of hand for violating today's literary mantra of "show, don't tell." Veronica's opening scene is one long, snarky, sardonic siloquay which Davis uses to perfection to win the sympathies of the audience - which is saying a lot given that Veronica is a self-absorbed, self-indulgent, sniping bitch.

Noël Coward play "Private Lives" to show in movie theaters Dec. 11

In addition to "Merrily We Roll Along," Cinema Live announced today that Noël Coward play "Private Lives" will run for one night only in select movie theaters.

"Private Lives," featuring Toby Stephens and Anna Chancellor, will play at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. Tickets go on sale Nov. 8. The presentation will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with cast and crew, combined with a special celebrity featurette exploring the continuing allure of Noël Coward.

Theaters and ticket prices for "Private Lives" have not been announced; watch www.fathomevents.com.

"Merrily We Roll Along" will play at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Hollywood 20 in Naples, Bell Tower in Fort Myers and Coconut Point in Estero. Tickets are $15 at Bell Tower and Coconut Point. If you want to slum it at Hollywood 20, you can save $2.50 and pay $12.50.

One Liners: Theater news briefs & photos for Friday, October 18

From the News-Press:

• Charles writes a great story about Theatre Conspiracy. "All My Raisins in the Sun," the winner of Theatre Conspiracy's annual New Play Contest, opens Friday.
• And here's what's going on with the Broadway Palm West, or as it is now monikered, The Palms Theatre.
• And an interview with Fake Problems. True story, I knew Chris Farren back when. I doubt he remembers.

• One more email from the Island Theater Company. Meet the rest of the cast of "Blame It On Beckett." "Blame it On Beckett" will run for nine shows at the Rose History Auditorium, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, from November 1-16. Tickets, $20, are available at Centennial Bank, the Marco Island Historical Society Gift Shop, theateronmarco.com, 239-394-0080 and at the door. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; curtain for Sunday matinées is 2:30 p.m.

Five Questions With: Debi Guthery, Betty in "The Great American Trailer Park Musical"

Corey Perrine / Copyright Naples Daily News

Debi Guthery and Randy Jones in Debi Guthery in the Naples
Players production of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical."

Put on your hard hats folks. And take note. Debi Guthery allows us a peek inside the mind of a musical theatre sorceress. The actress was the first to share her questionnaire with me, but I liked her answers so much that I wanted to save it for the final part of the "Trailer Park" series.

Find out Debi's favorite role, the one part she dreams of playing (keep your eyes out) and find out why she refuses to dish about her most embarrassing moment. And maybe even book the songstress for a party.

Meanwhile, check out Debi's YouTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DebiGuthery

Read our previous Q&A with "Trailer Park" director Dawn Fornara.
Read our previous Q&A with "Trailer Park" actor Randy Jones.
Reviews: Chris Silk ($$) | Bill O'Neill

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" runs through Nov. 2, 2013 at the Naples Players. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for children 18 and under. Call 239-263-7990 or naplesplayers.org/tickets.

PHOTOS: First look at "Something Intangible" from Gulfshore Playhouse"

Ian Merrill Peakes and Shawn Fagan in Gulfshore Playhouse's
production of "Something Intangible" by Bruce Graham.

Here's the latest press release for the Gulfshore Playhouse production of "Something Intangible."

• Preview (Pay-what-you-can) Tuesday, Oct. 29 (ya'll should go to this!)
• Preview ($25) Wednesday, Oct. 30
• Opening Night: Friday, Nov. 1

Set among the glitz and glamour of 1940's Hollywood, the drama goes inside the movie studio and inside the lives of two brothers. One is the creative genius responsible for bringing the first animated feature film to the screen and the other is his loyal brother, who struggles to keep the money coming in to fund the next big dream which will ultimately change the film industry forever: a feature length animated film set to classical music.

Cast: Shawn Fagan, Ian Merrill Peakes, Charlotte Booker, Josh Tobin & Peter Reznikoff. Gulfshore's Artistic Associate Cody Nickell will direct.

"Something Intangible" runs Nov. 1-24. Single tickets start at $33. Half-price tickets are available for all matinee performances one-half hour before the show. Call 1-866-811-4111 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Ian Merrill Peakes and Shawn Fagan in Gulfshore Playhouse's
production of "Something Intangible" by Bruce Graham.

The Church Basement Ladies serve up humor at Broadway Palm

The cast of "The Church Basement Ladies."

Season is here. Want proof? We're already gearing up for the second! (good lord, SECOND) shows in some spaces. Like the Off-Broadway Palm, which is cracking on the sequel to The Church Basement Ladies.

Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas will run Nov. 7 - Dec. 25, 2013. This time the ladies are in the midst of holiday preparations and planning the Sunday School’s Christmas Program. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $28 to $49. Call (239) 278-4422 or BroadwayPalm.com.

Review: "Woyzeck" at Ghostbird (1)

Photo by Barry Cavin and design by Phil Heubeck.

Experimental theatre isn't for everyone, but if you like something a little different, please check out "Woyzeck," playing tonight, Friday and Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.

Tickets ($10) are available through the Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center ticket office or online at www.sbdac.com/events. Please note that seating *IS* limited in this venue.

The second show of the Ghostbird season, this one gets all the pieces in order, moving in the right direction and something special happens. A German play transplanted to Appalachia, with an almost all-female cast (led by the amazing Brittany Albury) and backed by original music. Thanks guys - it was a great Wednesday.

PS: I ate three cannoli from Downtown House of Pizza!

Read the review here. Or listen to some of the original music here (via Soundcloud)

Review: Ghostbird burns up Fort Myers with blazing 'Woyzech'
Chris Silk / Naples Daily News

"Woyzech" turns out the unlikely perfect home for Heubeck's original music. Scripted as tiny bits of poetry, the piece becomes a near-musical when backed by Pearlie Mae & the Crawdaddy Boys. Heubeck, joined by Chris Ludvigsen and Ghostbird founder Brittney Brady pluck, strum, bang, clang and play.

The music weaves the story (just 80 minutes) together. Think a weathered granny, sitting on a dusty porch, rocking, spinning tales to enraptured children as crickets sing in the baking afternoon sun. Never too loud, but subtle - and dressed the part, Brady in dramatic white with flowers in her hair, the men in ragged pants, neckerchiefs and worn hats.

The bare space in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center alcove - again - offers the challenge and reward of bare space staging. Ghostbird continues to meet (and exceed) this challenge like no other community theatre company. Read the full review ($$)

Reviews: "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" (2)

Photo by Corey Perrine / Naples Daily News

Alyssa Lee, Debi Guthery & Lisa Federico
in "The Great American Trailer Park Musical."

Here's the reviews for the Naples Players production of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical."

Review: Naples Players laugh all the way to the 'Trailer Park'
Chris Silk (Naples Daily News)

Debi Guthery carries the show as Armadillo Acres wiseacre Betty. Pert, sassy and elegant atop towering straw wedges, her brassy personality sparkles. Guthery stars in her own YouTube show, "The Housewives of Sweet Bush Trailer Park;" she brings that comedic charm to the stage. Like her den mother character, she finds the correct mix of hard-edged gruff and lovable charm. Look for the daytime talk show-inspired number, director and choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara's best, boldest creation, with Guthery playing a spot-on version of Sally Jesse Raphael. The scene, featuring most of the cast, sends up every stereotype in a brilliant fashion. Jessica Walck, cooing and purring and "WORKING IT" for the "cameras," practically steals the scene as sex-obsessed Pippi, even though Guthery's glam hostess keeps throwing choreographed elbows at her head. Read the complete review ($$)

Curtain Up: 'Trailer Park Musical' about as classy as trailer trash
Bill O'Neill (Collier Citizen)
The show includes, as the TV warnings would say, crude language and sexual references — lots of both. There is nothing necessarily wrong with that, but here one feels that these elements are intended to be hilarious in and of themselves. Like an actor dropping his pants when the audience is not responding to his shtick, the show goes for cheap laughs. There is no sympathy in the portrayal of the characters. Read the complete review (free)

Read our previous Q&A with "Trailer Park" director Dawn Fornara.
Read our previous Q&A with "Trailer Park" actor Randy Jones.
Up later this week, a Q&A with "Trailer Park" actress Debi Guthery.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" runs through Nov. 2, 2013 at the Naples Players. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for children 18 and under. Call 239-263-7990 or online at naplesplayers.org/tickets.

Reviews: "Cats" at Broadway Palm (2)

So, just hours before we launch into another three-show week, I'm all caught up. I'm going to try and do better this week, OK?

"Cats" is good. I talked to Amy right after the show (Baby Grainne was out like a light) and told her that she'd gotten my two favorite numbers, especially "Skimbleshanks." Thanks guys for making me believe in one of my favorite shows again.

Review: Magical, mysterious 'Cats' pounces on fab fun at Broadway Palm
Chris Silk (Naples Daily News)
Everyone - from purists to first-timers to dog-lovers - will leave as pleased as a cat who's just enjoyed a large saucer full of cream. If the show stumbles in spots (oof, those costumes) or makes you wish for a huge ensemble, McCleary and her kittens land on their feet time and time again, turning out one superb number after another. "Cats" prances into Fort Myers after a solid run at Broadway Palm's sister theatre in Lancaster, Pa. Much of the cast returns - including aspiring diva Annie Freres. If the show has a "star," it would be her Grizabella. Or more accurately, that voice. Read the full review ($$)

Theater review: Broadway Palm turns this 'Cats' hater into believer with a spectacular take on the classic musical
Charles Runnells (The News-Press)
I loved almost every minute of Broadway Palm’s “Cats,” from its prancing man-cats to its irrestible songs to its nonstop, eye-popping spectacle. I even loved the goofy cat names such as Bustopher Jones, Skimbleshanks and Rumpleteazer. It helps that Broadway Palm put on such a flawless show here. “Cats” and much of its cast come there after a run at Broadway Palm’s sister theater, The Dutch Apple, in Lancaster, Penn. And it shows in its polished singing and dancing — nearly every note and every step is exactly where it should be. So if you must see “Cats,” this is the one to see. Read the full review...

Dave Coulier to play Port Charlotte comedy club

Dave Coulier, "Uncle Joey" from sitcom "Full House," will play Southwest Florida.

Yep. Him.

Coulier will play five dates at the Visani Comedy Dinner Theatre in Port Charlotte.

Here's the schedule, with ticket prices:

• 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 ($12)
• 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 ($15)
• 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 ($20)
• 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 ($20)
• 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 ($20)

Visani Comedy Dinner Theater is located at 2400 Kings Highway in Port Charlotte. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 941-629-9191 or go online to visani.net. The show is Rated “R” for adult content with mild profanity.

So. The finale of "Full House" was watched by 24 million viewers. Now, the guy is playing Port Charlotte for $20 bucks a head?

Oh. Michael Winslow, the "funny noises" dude from the "Police Academy" films will be at Visani on Nov. 25-27. 

PHOTOS: Afterlife of the Rich and Famous

We've got a half-dozen photos from the Let's Put On A Show production of "Afterlife of The Rich and Famous," which will run Oct. 18 — Nov. 2 at the Golden Gate Community Center. Tickets are $18. Call 239-398-9192 or www.letputonashowproductions.com.

Ty Landers & Asia Johnson.

Ty Landers & Karen Anglin.

One-Liners: Theater news briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013

Asolo Repertory Theatre will host auditions for "Hero: The Musical" on Monday, October 28, 2013 for Equity and non-Equity actors. Asolo Rep is casting a variety of adult roles, as well as two young boys. Auditions are from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Charles Runnells reviews "Cats." He liked it.

Tom Hall writes about "Miss Witherspoon."

Another blog post from Kristen Coury. Gulfshore Playhouse met their box office projections for "Venus in Fur," and the show still has a week to run. Congratulations!!!!!!

The Marco Players box office is now open noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Call (239) 642-7270.

Tickets are still available to see the Gulfshore Playhouse production of "Venus in Fur." It went three-for-three with the critics. "Venus" closes Sunday, Oct. 20. Don't miss this one.

The Opera Naples production of "The Telephone/The Medium" runs Friday & Saturday. I also got two emails via the TheatreZone mailing list.

Somewhere way down in the latest Lab Theater email, they bury the real news. The theater has acquired a new rehearsal space, the old Hessler Carpet Building, located at 1788 Fowler Street. Founder and artistic director Annette Trossbach announced plans to build a theater two seasons hence at the opening night of "Miss Witherspoon."

The Marco Players are promoting "Absalom" as coming from Zoe Kazan, "Granddaughter of Elia Kazan--one of the most honored and influential directors in Broadway and Hollywood history." "Absalom" runs November 6-24, 2013.

Meet John Moulton and Abby Yetter from the Island Theater Company's cast of "Blame It On Beckett. "Blame it On Beckett" will run for nine shows at the Rose History Auditorium, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, from November 1-16. Tickets, $20, are available at Centennial Bank, the Marco Island Historical Society Gift Shop, theateronmarco.com, 239-394-0080 and at the door. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; curtain for Sunday matinees is 2:30 p.m.

More photos from "The Mystery of Irma Vep" at the Naples Players.

Latest newsletter from the Naples Players. 

My schedule: I'm at "Woyzeck" on Wednesday, "All My Raisins in the Sun" on Friday and "Afterlife of the Rich and Famous" on Saturday. Then, I'm catching the final performance of "Venus in Fur" on Sunday.

VIA FACEBOOK:

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One Liners: News briefs for Friday, Oct. 11

UPDATED. 

"Pippin" is sold out! Congratulations. 

"Miss Witherspoon" opens tonight at the Lab Theater. 

"Cats" officially opens tonight at Broadway Palm. Get your tickets now. Amy knocked my two favorite numbers "Mungogerrie" & "Skimbleshanks" out of the park. 

I saw folks all the way down at the Central Ave. Starbucks in Naples with a copy of my review of "You Say Tomato" (from last week) today talking about going to the show. 

Just in case you missed it, here's the Charles Runnells review for "Venus in Fur."

The online ticket discount code for the Laboratory Theater of Florida production of Christopher Durang play "Miss Witherspoon" is "bardo."  "Miss Witherspoon" runs Oct. 11-26. Tickets are $12-$22 and available online at laboratorytheaterflorida.com or at the door. Tickets are also available online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/391346.



As detailed in Maura Lohan's new blog post on "The Playhouse Perspective," Gulfshore Playhouse ran ads for "Venus in Fur" that said "Get Whipped!" Anybody seen one around town? Seriously, every theater should be blogging.


Firehouse Community Theatre will have movie night at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25. They will play "Poltergeist." …

Florida Weekly correspondent Don Manley (HI DON!) does a preview for "The Great American Trailer Park Musical."

The Lab Theater closes in on 1,000 Facebook likes.

Reviews: VENUS IN FUR at Gulfshore Playhouse (3)

Updated with Nancy Stetson's review.

Updated with the Charles Runnells review.

Folks are going to be talking about "Venus in Fur" for a while. Get yourself down to Gulfshore Playhouse and see this one. Nancy Stetson was there on opening, so we'll see another review later this week. Nancy's review is now linked below too. Here's a roundup of coverage and the reviews.

"Venus in Fur" plays at 8 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 19 with additional 3 p.m. matinées on Oct. 12, 13 & 20. Tickets are $29-$35 with discounted $15 admission for students. Call 866-811-4111 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Auditions for Center for the Arts Community Players "Plaza Suite" areOct. 19

UPDATED with phone number.

Here's an important audition date change.

Auditions for the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs Community Players production of "Plaza Suite" will be noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

The audition date was first released as October 12. It has changed. Here's the phone number to call for more information or to schedule an audition time 239-495-8989.

Further details below.

Five Questions With: Dawn Lebrecht Fornara, director of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical"

Alyssa Lee, Debi Guthery, Laura Needle and Lisa Federico in
"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" at the Naples Players.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" director/choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara took time out of her busy schedule to give us a director questionnaire. Complete with her trademark snark, honed from years on the road as a dancer.

I had to edit a few things, but go behind the scenes to find out Dawn's take on the show, read her breakdown of the cast, thoughts on staging the show and why she absolutely won't reveal the funniest line of "Trailer Park."

PS: Find out why Dawn thinks the viewing public should attend in five words or less!

Read our previous Q&A with "Trailer Park" actor Randy Jones.
Up next week, a Q&A with "Trailer Park" actress Debi Guthery.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" runs through Nov. 2, 2013 at the Naples Players. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for children 18 and under. Call 239-263-7990 or online at naplesplayers.org/tickets.

1) Talk about this play. What are audiences going to find out about themselves, life or theatre if they attend?

That it's OK to go to the theatre just to laugh for a while.  Not everything has to be "art."  There is an art to comedy, but not every piece of theatre has to be high-brow.  And even though much of this show is cartoonish caricature, people will recognize themselves in the show.  Also, it's vulgar and raunchy, but also sweet, with a nice story and sentiment.

One-Liners: News briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 9

From left, Randall Kenneth Jones, Alyssa Lee, Debi Guthery, Lisa Federico and Laura Needle perform the song, "This side of the tracks" during the last dress rehearsal Monday, Oct. 7, 2013 at Sugden Community Theatre in Naples. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Norbert played by Randall Kenneth Jones, a luckless tollbooth collector with an agoraphobic wife, Jeannie played by Laura Needle who becomes involved with Pippi the stripper played by Jessica Walck. in the Naples Players' production of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical." The show runs Oct. 9 - Nov. 2, 2013. For more information see http://www.naplesplayers.org/ or call 239-263-7990.

• Florida Repertory Theatre revealed show posters today. NOISE, Inc. designed these. As always, my favorite is "The Santaland Diaries" - because my quote is used there. I'm also a real fan of the poster for "Arsenic & Old Lace."
• Florida Rep also has a contest - "WIN IT WEDNESDAY" - going on. Find the poster of the show you like the most, LIKE it on Facebook and get your friends to like it too. Or something like that. Read this Facebook status for details.
• Photos from "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" from Naples Daily News photographer Corey Perrine.
• Video from "The Great American Trailer Park Musical."
• Vocal Artistry has concerts Oct. 19 & 20.
• Photos from "Afterlife of the Rich and Famous" from Let's Put On A Show Productions.
• More photos from the Lab Theater production of "Miss Witherspoon." I just can't get over Kathleen Moye and Rob Green in those tees...
• The Tony Awards will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 8, 2014, on CBS beginning at 8 PM ET. 
• The Collier United Arts Council is doing "Celebrate the Arts" month in November.
• The Marco Players box office is now open at the theater from noon-4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday. Or call Rich at (239) 642-7270.
• Theatre Conspiracy is looking for an old refrigerator to use in "All My Raisins in the Sun." Leave a message on Bill's Facebook page (several people have already chimed in) or on the Theatre Conspiracy Facebook page here.

• Hands up if you think Theatre Conspiracy should do "Venus in Fur" as the late spring play reading? Like "Love Letters" and "Love, Loss & What I Wore?" Imagine the steam. My second choice would be "Sylvia."
   
• Photos from "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" at the Naples Players. 
• The Florida Rep Box Office re-opened on regular hours this week. A full-color insert was in the News-Press. The website (floridarep.org) also got an update. Casting info is out for most of the season. "Social Security" opens in previews Oct. 29.
   
•  I encourage you to read "The Playhouse Perspective," an peek "behind-the-scenes" at the action that goes on at Gulfshore Playhouse. Keep it up guys!
• During the run of "Cats," Broadway Palm will sell special paper "paw prints." Customers can purchase prints for $1, decorate them and hang them on a wall near the theatre entrance. All proceeds go directly to the Animal Refuge Center.
• Artis–Naples has an event titled "Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II." I totally learned "The Barber of Figaro" from Looney Tunes!
• Yes, I read this. (the shrinking landscape of criticism) Yes. I totally agree. Read this one too. Solutions?
• I'm seeing, in order, this week: "The Great American Trailer Park Musical," "Cats" and "Miss Witherspoon."

City Scenes seeks three actors for "Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)"

City Scenes Theater Company looks to be getting back in the game.

A Facebook post Sunday says the company is looking for three actors (male/female) to take part in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" in March 2014.

Drop a line on the City Scenes Facebook page if interested, call 239-849-2297 or email     cityscenestc@gmail.com.

Broken air handler dumps gallons of water all over Lee Alliance for the Arts offices

The Alliance for the Arts in Lee County suffered a disaster Sunday, Oct. 6.

According to a post on the article.org website [titled "Help Us Recover From Our Sunken Offices], an air handler failed, dumping about 50 gallons of water directly over the staff's main office space.

You can see some of the damage here:
http://www.artinlee.org/4336-2/

Carpet, walls and office equipment were all damaged. Worse, the staff have been displaced while cleanup takes place.

The Alliance faces cleanup bills, the cost of replacing equipment AND the cost of replacing the air handler.

Donations are being accepted online (via PayPal) or call 39-939-2787 if you would like to help out.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents signed performance of "Venus in Fur"

Kelley Curran in "Venus in Fur."

Gulfshore Playhouse will present a signed performance of "Venus in Fur" by David Ives in conjunction with Florida Gulf Coast University's Office of Adaptive Services at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 2013.

A team of two American Sign Language interpreters will be on stage providing an interpreted performance to the Naples audience.

Read my review of "Venus in Fur" here: http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/oct/05/review-gulfshore-playhouse-venus-in-fur-tickets/

"Venus in Fur" is the Tony-nominated play that the New York Times called "a suspense-filled sex comedy."  "Venus in Fur" upends the traditional power relationship between director and actress and man and woman in this scintillating, fascinating,  and thought-provoking "play within a play" that investigates the layers of love, lust, power and gender politics with humor, intensity and good kinky fun.

Tickets for this special performance are still available at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or by calling 866-811-4111

Theatre Conspiracy celebrates 20 years; season opens with "All My Raisins in the Sun"

Theatre Conspiracy turns 20! Or as Bill says "we're almost old enough to drink!"

The 20th anniversary season begins Oct. 18 with the word premiere production of John Twomey's "All My Raisins in the Sun," the winner of Theatre Conspiracy's 15th Annual New Play Contest. Find out what happens inside one high school teacher's lounge - at one school where the teachers are just as bad as the students!

One eager new teacher gets quite the education when confronted with the quirky personalities and deadly serious politics of the public high school teacher's lounge.

Individual tickets are $20 each. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8PM with one Sunday matinée at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Opening night is “pay what you will” and Thursdays are “buy one get one half off”. Tickets can be purchased by calling Theatre Conspiracy’s box office at 239-936-3239 or by visiting www.theatreconspiracy.org.

PROMO EMAILS: TheatreZone, Lab Theater, Naples Players, Opera Naples, Marco Players

THEATREZONE
Here's the latest TheatreZone marketing email. Bonus points for including a link to my story. Extra bonus points for including a "view on web" link. The TheatreZone season opens Jan. 9, 2014 with "Whistle Down the Wind."

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/742466/7ff6dcc72c/286668103/e411e24715/

As Mark Danni states: "We are nearing our first-ever, sell-out year, so order your tickets now."

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $43 & $48, plus $2 per ticket fee. Season ticket and snowbird packages available. Call 1-888-966-3352 or theatrezone-florida.com.

Kathleen Moye and Rob Green
in "Miss Witherspoon."

LAB THEATER
There's a few photos from "Miss Witherspoon" in this Lab Theater promo. There's also the first official word that Mitch and Joann Haley will co-star in "Death of a Salesman" later in 2014.

http://mad.ly/715d14?pact=556901485190188259&fe=1

"Miss Witherspoon" runs Oct. 11-26. The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Avenue in downtown Fort Myers. Tickets are $12-$22 and available online at laboratorytheaterflorida.com. Tickets are also available online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/391346.

OPERA NAPLES (read the email)
Mark Danni will direct the Opera Naples double bill of chamber operas, "The Telephone" and "The Medium." Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, presented in partnership with Artis-Naples (in The Daniels Pavilion.

Limited seats are still available for both performances. Purchase tickets ($60 & $75) online at www.OperaNaples.org.

NAPLES PLAYERS
The latest issue of the Naples Players newsletter is available online.

MARCO PLAYERS
The Marco Players will open "Absalom" on Nov. 6.

Marco Players auditions: "Fox on the Fairway" and "Apartment 3A"

Marco Players show "The Fox on the Fairway" auditions will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 & Tuesday, Nov. 12. Rehearsals  begin Nov. 25. The show runs Jan. 8-26, 2013. Director TBA. For more information, call (239) 404-5198 or themarcoplayers.com.

Marco Players show "Apartment 3A" auditions will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18 & Tuesday, Nov. 19. Rehearsals for "Apartment 3A" begin Dec. 16. The show runs Feb. 12 - March 2, 2014. Director TBA. For more information, call (239) 404-5198 or themarcoplayers.com.

Naples Players ETC... releases directors, casts for Nov. 3 "You Call This Love???" season premiere

The Naples Players’ ETC…Readers’ Theatre will present staged readings of four short plays with the theme of “You Call This Love???” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in the Tobye Studio at Sugden Community. Tickets ($10) are available at the box office or by phone (239) 263-7990.

• “Sorry” by Timothy Mason - Claire McKinney directs Dee Betcher and Harvey Choddock.
  
• “The Wedding Story” by Julianne Homokay - Bev Canell directs Ellen Grimes, Mary Haynes and Keith Gahagan.
  
• “Rain” by Garry Williams - Vic Caroli directs Denny Hoover, Carole Greene, Karen Gudknecht, Joanie Nellis and Scott Doucette.
  
• “Present Tense” by John McNamara - Joe Moran directs Todd Irby, Bill Everett, Rose Mary Everett, Stan Kraushaar, Kim Polson and Allayne Barnum. 

Complete press release below.

---

ETC…Presents “You Call This Love???” Quartet Sunday Nov. 3

The Naples Players’ ETC…Readers’ Theatre will present staged readings of four short plays theatrically themed “You Call This Love???” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in Tobye Studio of Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples.  Tickets priced at $10 each are on sale at the Box Office; phone 239-263-7990.

The seriocomic quartet will open ETC…’s 12th season and will include:

“Sorry” by Timothy Mason.  NYC can be an unforgiving and lonely place.  But when Pat shoots Wayne mistaking him for an intruder the two are given a chance to make a connection – even when Pat discovers the secret behind Wayne’s identity.  Claire McKinney directs Dee Betcher and Harvey Choddock.

“The Wedding Story” by Julianne Homokay.  A narrator tells of a high school couple about to be married and start a beautiful life together – only they constantly interrupt and correct him until he can’t stand it anymore and tells them the brutal truth.  Bev Canell is director and cast members are Ellen Grimes, Mary Haynes and Keith Gahagan.

In “Rain” by Garry Williams, a farmer who has fallen from a roof and is confined to a wheelchair ponders his life and seeks the meaning of it.  Director is Vic Caroli with cast members Denny Hoover, Carole Greene, Karen Gudknecht, Joanie Nellis and Scott Doucette.

And in “Present Tense” by John McNamara, a gawky but cute teen-age boy wins back the affection of an attractive girl from the handsome but vain captain of all the school teams and editor of the other lad’s copy in the school paper.  Joe Moran is director; cast members are Todd Irby, Bill Everett, Rose Mary Everett, Stan Kraushaar, Kim Polson and Allayne Barnum.

Friday and Saturday Dec. 6 & 7, ETC …will present “An Evening of New Plays” in its 10th annual contest for original one-act plays by Southwest Florida playwrights.  A reception will follow the Dec. 6 program.

Interested in being a reader, director, producer or ETC… Committee member?  Please call Becky Troop, Director of Volunteers, at 239-434-7340, ext. 14.

Improv group Random Acts of ,D to perform Oct. 20 at Lab Theater

Improv group Random Acts of ,D (pronounced "comedy" - comma,D - ha-ha) will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, October 20 at the Kiwanis Hall in downtown Fort Myers. Admission is $10. Call (239) 218-0481 or cash/credit at the door. This is the second show at the Lab Theater for the group after a successful kickoff last weekend.

Random Acts of ,D has played several successful shows at Anthony's on the Boulevard in Cape Coral; several members of the group, including Lucy Harris, Shawn Genther and James Recca, have performed in a variety of roles with Lab Theater.

(I'll be honest. I didn't get the comma-D joke in the name until Wednesday afternoon.)

Review: PIPPIN at Florida Gulf Coast University

"Pippin," the magical Stephen Schwartz fable, launches both the FGCU season and (maybe?) its musical theatre program. Here's my review.


FGCU blazes magical, musical trail with 'Pippin'
http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/oct/04/review-fgcu-theatrelab-pippin/

While not perfect (no one expects it to be), "Pippin" captures the rambunctious, free-spirited delight of its rowdy '70s origins. A diverse cast, beaming with smiles and dressed in a rainbow of borrowed costumes unite in a bright, funky circus vibe. Full credit to the ensemble - from first to last - each commits to the outrageous, fun-loving and over-the-top spirit. The array of stripes, prints, glitter, flowers, feathers, sequins, greasepaint and more - all looking as if it emerged from the bottom of a moth-eaten trunk - gives "Pippin" an air of tattered, faded decadence. Occasional squeals of feedback, a bare stage and voices that aren't Martha Raye or Irene Ryan give the show a ring of authenticity. This is college theatre. This is the 1970s - and the Janis Joplin feel of the lyrics never felt so beautiful. read the full review...

Talking "Pippin" and musical theatre with Sawyer True
http://ndnstagedoor.blogspot.com/2013/10/pippin-preview-sawyer-true.html

The Oakride Middle student, who shared the role of Gavroche in the Naples Players production of "Les Miserables" this summer, appears throughout the second act as droll, deadpan, drop-dead-funny Theo. "I'm Theo," Sawyer told me over the phone. "I'm Catherine's son. I carry around a duck. He's like my best friend." read the full preview...

PREVIEW: Talking "Pippin" and musical theatre with Sawyer True

Updated: Read the review of the FGCU production of "Pippin" here.

Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Roger O. Hirson (book) musical "Pippin" tells of a young prince on his search for the meaning of life. How appropriate then that FGCU plays host to this latest production.

One face that might be a few years away (we hope) from the beer bongs and all-nighters - and familiar to Neapolitans is 12-year-old Sawyer True.

Sawyer True as
Gavroche in the
Naples Players
production of
"Les Miserables."

The Oakride Middle student, who shared the role of Gavroche in the Naples Players production of "Les Miserables" this summer, appears throughout the second act as droll, deadpan, drop-dead-funny Theo.

"I'm Theo," Sawyer told me over the phone. "I'm Catherine's son. I carry around a duck. He's like my best friend."

In the context of "Pippin," the characters of Theo and Catherine help Pippin realize that an ordinary life might be fulfilling after all. And Theo gets some great one-liners.

Musical theatre wasn't always in the cards for True, although mom Sharon has appeared in a half-dozen Naples Players musicals, including "The Producers," "All Shook Up," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Hello Dolly!" and "Pinkalicious."

A few years ago, after being signed up for a youth theater show in Fort Myers, Sawyer tells me that his response was "Sure. I'll try it out."

"It was fun," Sawyer told me. "I like it a lot.

"Laughing Phantom" led to "Schoolhouse Rock." And to dance class, voice lessons, parts in the Naples Players KidzAct program. When I talked to Sawyer, he'd just started with the Naples Youth Chorale.

The role in Pippin appeals to True because Theo is a "more challenging" part - vocally - than he's used to. "His voice is changing," Sharon True interjects, "and it's a wider range for him."

"Pippin" also offers experience.

"I like working with new people," Sawyer True said. "I like seeing how other theaters work … everyone was very welcoming."

The youth will get that chance to see how theaters work. Once "Pippin" closes, he and FGCU faculty member Gerritt VanderMeer, the Leading Player, will head into "Whistle Down the Wind" at TheatreZone.

And he's pretty sure that he wants to pursue musical theatre as a career.

"I'd do it [musical theatre] anywhere," Sawyer told me. "Not just Broadway."

"Pippin," directed by Dominic Missimi, the founder of Northwestern University’s musical theatre program, runs October 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. with matinée performances on October 12 & 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 and available at http://theatrelab.fgcu.edu.